Air quality alert in Whatcom County effective Monday, July 20th

WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — An air quality alert for smoke has been issued about 10am today, Monday, July 20, 2026, by the Northwest Clean Air Agency for Skagit and Whatcom Counties. It is scheduled to end at 9am on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

The alert is due to expected wildfire smoke from Canadian wildfires.

Particulate matter (PM2.5) levels may reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, sensitive groups should take steps to reduce exposure. Limit time outside, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and follow tips for cleaner indoor air. Everyone should watch for symptoms as a sign to reduce exposure.

Air Quality Alert statement (July 20, 2026

Advertisement

Click for more information

Advertisement

Click for more information

The National Weather Service Seattle office reported the following this morning.

With the low level flow turning northerly at times this will pull down some wildfire smoke from Canada the next three days. Most of the smoke is expected to remain a bit elevated keeping
air quality from deteriorating too much. The exception to this will be near the Cascade crest in the Central and Northern Cascades where overnight easterly winds could pull in thicker smoke from the fires along the east slopes of the Cascades.

National Weather Service Seattle office (July 20, 2026)